(February 28, 2020) The organizers of the Geneva auto show said the event has been canceled after Swiss government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people because of the coronavirus threat. The Geneva show was due to start on Tuesday with a media day for new product debuts.

"We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors' top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision," said Maurice Turrettini, chairman of the Foundation Board.

A few days before the opening of the event, the construction of the stands was very nearly complete. A week ago, during the press conferences announcing the 2020 edition, there was nothing to suggest that such a measure was necessary. The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injunction of the Federal Council on Feb. 28. The event is cancelled due to this decision.

In the meantime, the dismantling of the event will now have to be organized. The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks. One thing is certain: tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Switzerland rose to nine on Thursday and the canton of Basel-City put a number of children into a two-week quarantine after one of their caregivers tested positive for the virus.